Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

(84.1%), mean number of multiple shoots per bud (1.3) and mean length of
multiple shoots (3.4 cm). The shortest time to bud break was also observed
in June-collected explants.
Although these micro-propagation techniques have shown promise, none of
them has reached the stage of commercialisation. As with any other
technology, the success of tissue culture as an effective tool in the largescale
multiplication and propagation of selected tamarind cultivars will be
determined by economic factors.
5.3 Field establishment
Tamarind may be grown within various cropping systems. The trees may be
grown as an orchard crop in a pure stand, as an agroforestry species in mixed
cropping systems including home gardens, or as a hedgerow tree. In each of
these systems, there are several methods available for establishing the trees.
5.3.1 Direct seeding
Tamarind can be established in the field by directly sowing seed
(Chaturvedi, 1985). Seeds may be sown directly to establish plantations,
hedgerows, or home gardens. On suitable sites, direct seeding of tamarind
may indeed be a more economical method of establishment, as it eliminates
the cost of growing seedlings in the nursery and is less time-consuming than
planting seedlings. Furthermore, one of the primary advantages of seed
planting versus seedling planting is that the germinating seedling has an
undisturbed root system and does not suffer from transplant shock.
Once the site is properly prepared, seeds should be planted as soon after
collection as possible to minimise loss of viability. However, seed which has
been stored under optimal conditions (5.2.1.1.) may be used.The size of the
planting hole is of little importance, but firm seed-to-soil contact and
coverage is required for adequate germination. Planting holes should have
been previously prepared and filled with well-decomposed manure or
compost. The seed should be planted no deeper than 1.5 cm. For planting on
the square, on the triangle, or in lines for orchard establishment, a few seeds
are dibbled in 5 cm apart at each planting station. Planting stations should be
approximately 4-5 m apart. The seeds, may also be sown at random in
discrete patches, at 4-5 m apart. This method is practised in the Indian states
of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. After germination, and when the
seedlings reach a height of 10-20 cm, they should be thinned to one at each
planting point, the best seedlings being selected.
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